Characterization of the hypoglycemic effects of Trigonella foenum graecum seed.

Full Abstract

The whole powder of Trigonella foenum graecum seeds and its extracts were tested for their hypoglycemic effect on normal and diabetic model rats. The powder, its methanol extract, and the residue remaining after methanol extraction had significant hypoglycemic effects when fed simultaneously with glucose. The water extract of the methanol extractive-free residue of the seed powder showed significant hypoglycemic activity at different prandial states. The Soluble Dietary Fibre (SDF) fraction showed no effect on the fasting blood glucose levels of nondiabetic or NIDDM model rats. However, when fed simultaneously with glucose, it showed a significant hypoglycemic effect (p < 0.05) in NIDDM model rats. Chemical analysis showed that the major constituent of the SDF is a galactomannan. The results confirm the involvement of SDF in the hypoglycemic effect of T. foenum graecum seeds. However, compound(s) other than SDF is (are) also involved in the hypoglycemic activity.

Author information

Author/s: Ali, L (L); Azad Khan, A K (AK); Hassan, Z (Z); Mosihuzzaman, M (M); Nahar, N (N); Nasreen, T (T); Nur-e-Alam, M (M); Rokeya, B (B);

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Letter; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Planta medica (Planta Med), published in GERMANY. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1995-Aug; vol 61 (issue 4) : pp 358-60

Dates: Created 1995/11/28; Completed 1995/11/28; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 7480183, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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